Alexander Lopez

Before entering tech, Alexander Lopez’s life was defined by service. As a Special Officer for New York City Health + Hospitals, he was deeply embedded in the city’s front-line operations. While he respected the work, it took a toll on him.

“I was looking for a work-life balance. Before Per Scholas, there was no work-life balance. I was called on an as-needed basis. I was working a lot of hours, and the pay wasn’t showing,” Alexander reflects. 

The frustration was compounded by technical hurdles in his own workplace. He was unhappy, exhausted, and ready for a change, but he didn’t yet know where to turn.

The bridge to Alexander’s new career was built by his wife, a teacher for the Board of Education. Within her professional social circle, educators often traded information leads for family members seeking training and growth.

“I stumbled on Per Scholas by chance, to be honest. I got this lead from my wife… she gave me the flyer.” Alexander decided to make the call. “I had nothing to lose at that point, and I was looking for something better.”

Alexander’s journey began in the fall of 2021 as part of the very first IT Support class at the Staten Island Satellite location, a partnership between Per Scholas and the Jewish Community Center (JCC).

The existence of a Satellite campus was transformative. For many learners, commuting to a central hub in the Bronx or to Brooklyn is a barrier that makes education feel out of reach. By placing the program in Alexander’s “own zip code,” Per Scholas brought the opportunity to his doorstep.

The transition required significant sacrifice. Alexander left a city job and its benefits to focus on the program. Ultimately, his sacrifices paid off. Alexander excelled in his cohort, and the end of the program wasn’t the end of his time with Per Scholas. His presence and aptitude made a lasting impression.

“I was recommended to work for Per Scholas as a Teaching Fellow.”

Because Alexander would be working at a Satellite location—often serving as the boots on the ground while lead instructors facilitated from other campuses—he was hired above a standard entry-level role. This moment brought a wave of uncertainty. 

“It was a great experience, but a little scary fighting imposter syndrome,” Alexander admits. “I was just a part of the program as a learner, and now I’m on the other side of the table assisting other learners. I felt like, ‘I don’t really know much. What can I offer here?”

He soon realized his value wasn’t just in his technical skills, but in his lived experience. He could offer emotional support because he understood the specific financial and mental stresses his learners were facing. He quickly learned that stepping into this role felt natural. 

Alexander didn’t just teach; he looked for ways to improve the learner experience at the Satellite campus. He spearheaded several initiatives that have now influenced how the Per Scholas New York team operates:

• The “Meet and Greet” Program: He helped organize informal video calls where incoming learners could meet instructors and staff before the program began. This allowed them to ask questions to ease their anxiety.
• Digital Recruitment: Alexander created social media content for both the JCC and Per Scholas. “At the time, I had the most views, the most clicks, and likes,” he shares. “I like to think that I’m comfortable stepping outside of what’s required of me and going above and beyond.”

Alexander is a living example of the Per Scholas commitment to lifelong learning. Since his initial graduation, he has utilized alumni upskilling to gain an incredible list of certifications:

• CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and CySA+
• Google IT Support Certificate
• Linux Essentials (with plans for Level 1 and 2 certifications)

He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science in Cloud and Network Engineering at Western Governors University (WGU), a partnership he discovered through Per Scholas.

When asked what advice he would give to someone considering a Satellite program, he says: “The longer that you put it off… You might talk yourself out of something amazing. Every journey begins with a single step. Have that faith in yourself.”

Alexander Lopez isn’t just a tech professional; he is a pillar of the Staten Island tech community. He proves that when organizations like Per Scholas bring education directly to your area, they don’t just change a career—they change a life.